Lisa Notes: The practice of wearing skin

The practice of wearing skin

Our bodies are where our souls live.

We're not always happy with our house. The floors creak more than they used to, the walls need repainting, the appliances are starting to go.

But if God is good—and he is—and if God is powerful—and he is—then he lives with us in the center of this broken-down house.

So let’s be fully present in our skin. Let’s practice wearing it well.

* * *

How can you use your hands this week to be the hands of Jesus?

February 2013: The practice of slowing down
January 2013: The practice of waking up to God

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hisfirefly 20p · 630 weeks ago

broken houses
broken lives
broken hearts
He lives here...
My recent post Grass of the field

1 reply · active 630 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 630 weeks ago

Yes. I often wonder how he can do that...live in such broken places. But I know he does; I give thanks he does. I don't have to understand how he does.
My recent post The practice of wearing skin

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3dlessons4life 38p · 630 weeks ago

Lisa, I love how you are being intentional about pursuing Jesus this year. This was a beautiful post. Can't wait to hear about what you learn this month!

1 reply · active 630 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 630 weeks ago

Thanks. I'm looking forward to how the Lord will move this month. So glad you did a vlog, too, and shared your message on grace. Anytime I do a vlog, I need heavy reminders of grace. :-)
My recent post The practice of wearing skin

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nofranson 21p · 630 weeks ago

Look at you! You're really rocking this Vlog experience.

Love the quote about the difference between the questions we ask in Sunday School and the ones we ask in the hospital. Gonna be sharing that with some friends in the coming days.
My recent post It Is a Harsh World, After All

1 reply · active 630 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 630 weeks ago

Yes, isn't that quote amazing? Here's more of it:

"Deep suffering makes theologians of us all. The questions people ask about God in Sunday school rarely compare with the questions we ask while we are in the hospital. This goes for those stuck in the waiting room as well as those in actual beds."

She goes on to say we should ask similar questions when we are in pleasure:

"Who deserves the way a warm bath feels on a cold night after a hard day's work? Who has earned the smell of a loved one, embracing you on your first night back home?" ...

I'm really enjoying Barbara Brown Taylor's book, obviously. :-)
My recent post FEBRUARY 2013 Posts

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beezworthy 33p · 630 weeks ago

Very interesting challenge, Lisa. I've not thought about focusing in on my flesh or skin--the sensory experience of worship and obedience each day. I may just join you in being more aware of this part of my experience as well. Great vlogging! You go, girl!

1 reply · active 630 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 630 weeks ago

I do hope you'll join me, Beth! Let me know how it goes for you, if you do. It's interesting that we walk in the faith through our bodies.

Hope you'll do a vlog soon yourself! Would love to hear and see you. :-)
My recent post FEBRUARY 2013 Posts

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Mia · 630 weeks ago

Hi Lisa
Isn't it wonderful how our God lives in all the broken pieces of our lifes. It never cease to amaze me how He brings beauty out of ashes and strength out of weakness. Over via Laura's.
Much love XX
Mia
My recent post Heaven’s Launderer

1 reply · active 630 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 630 weeks ago

Yes, Mia, I totally agree with you--there is none to compare to our God who can take these fragile bodies we all call "me" and use them for his glory. Miracle of miracles! Thanks for dropping by.
My recent post FEBRUARY 2013 Posts

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fsamons 60p · 630 weeks ago

There is something about touching flesh, shaking a hand, hugging, and patting on another person's back. I'm better than I was as a kid, but still probably a long way from where God is leading... especially if it's washing someone else's feet...

I'm actually better at using rubber bands to touch others from a short distance ... with great velocity!!!
My recent post A GHOST TOWN

2 replies · active 630 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 630 weeks ago

So I'm guessing your skills as a kid do come in handy in rubber band wars. I was never good with that. I didn't want to get hit in return so I'd steer clear altogether. ;-)

I'm not so good at washing others' feet either. It's much easier to use my hands to hold a sleeping baby or hug a dear friend. It gets harder when the flesh wants to draw back instead of pull closer to someone who seems messy. Then again, aren't we all messy? Glad Jesus isn't repelled by us.
My recent post FEBRUARY 2013 Posts

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fsamons 60p · 630 weeks ago

Oh yeah, I was a rubber band bandit as a kid! My big brothers had paper routes so I had plenty of practice! I sense a post in there some where...

Another yes to the messy us, Lisa... Paul's word "vile" sticks like glue...

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Stephani · 630 weeks ago

This is timely for me Lisa as I am in the middle of fast and the flesh rares up on occasion. It's an open ended fast and I haven't determined when it will end. I'm leaving it up to God to direct me that I'll know. - On another note of lingering in the skin, I have found it very important to linger in my hugs with my Mom and Dad and to touch their hands and stroke them. They don't receive much touch these days outside of what I give them so it is very important. Touch can heal, if not the disease then the anxiousness associated with it.
My recent post Pursing Excellence - When You Hit a Wall

1 reply · active 630 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 630 weeks ago

I wish I could give YOU a hug, Stephani, as you hug on your parents. Yes, that touch is so important, even when all else fails. I know you'll continue touching them as long as they are here; you are a precious daughter, and I know they will always know your presence by that touch.

I remember how important it was to me to be able to touch my dad as he was dying, and then my mom even when she might not have known who I was. She still liked to be acknowledged through touch. It speaks deeper than we know. Keep hanging in there; I know your road has been long and hard, yet you have been so faithful.
My recent post The practice of wearing skin

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Jen · 630 weeks ago

Wow -- you know what? I've had my feet washed once or twice and it was SO hard to receive that service. I've learned a lot now, about being able to receive, but I wonder if I've grown THAT much that it wouldn't be uncomfortable.

You are rocking this vlog thing, girl.
My recent post Across the Kitchen Table, 2nd Edition and the Soli Deo Gloria Party

1 reply · active 630 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 630 weeks ago

Isn't it funny that it's hard to accept our feet being washed? I feel the same way.

And you're so inspiring with the vlogs, Jen. Each time I think I'm done; never again. But your smiling face and sweetness just make me do one more.
My recent post The practice of wearing skin

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tisdalehelen 2p · 630 weeks ago

Lisa! I am so excited about your vlogging! You are so cute & doing so good! I am just proud of you stepping out! Wow! This month is a very interesting subject!Can hardly wait to see what you find out!
My recent post My One Word: Improvement

1 reply · active 630 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 630 weeks ago

Well, now that you are a blogger, what's stopping you from becoming a vlogger yourself? :-) Would LOVE to hear and see you, Helen. Consider it for someday down the road. Love you.
My recent post The practice of wearing skin

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beverleyhirst63 50p · 630 weeks ago

you teach me the simple things so well. i need a simple passage of scripture and then i need to find out what God is really telling me to do.

You video wouldn't work on your blog but it did over on youtube so thanks x
My recent post Life and Things

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Lisa notes 103p · 630 weeks ago

Reading a scripture to listen for God in it--what more do we need? That's great, Beverley. Sometimes the simplest things are the most important.
My recent post The practice of wearing skin

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bicroce 44p · 630 weeks ago

yes today, I will wear skin with humility, thankfulness and joy, and He will shine through. Thank you for reminding me to do so.

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Lisa notes 103p · 630 weeks ago

Thank YOU, Barbara. I love your statement. So glad you left it here so I can refer to during the month.
My recent post The practice of wearing skin

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Jody Lee Collins · 630 weeks ago

Oh, Lisa, you wear it well! Thank you so much for sharing with us--I just love your voice and your smile.
My recent post Words & Music--Across the Kitchen Table VLog

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Lisa notes 103p · 630 weeks ago

We are branching out, yes? :-) Thanks for your encouragement, Jody.
My recent post The practice of wearing skin

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Kristin · 630 weeks ago

As I began 1 1/2 years ago interviewing the homeless for a book I'm writing, I quickly realized how important touch was for them. Many did not get touched because of their 'dirtiness' or they had not experienced good touch , only bad in their lives. I made it a point to always touch them, whether a pat on the back, touch their arm as I talked with them, always putting my arm around them as I prayed at the end of our visits. Many, men and women, would crumple in my arms and cry because the touch was so wonderful to them and the unconditonal love that came with it. I believe touch, good touch, is so vital to us as human beings.
May you give many skin to skin touches to whoever God puts in your path.
Loved your vlog:)
My recent post Roller Coaster Ride

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Lisa notes 103p · 630 weeks ago

Yes, yes, yes, Kristin! I've worked far less with the homeless than you have, but one thing that the Lord impressed upon me when I began was that need for touch. So glad to hear you confirming it for me here. I've tried to be intentional about this in the past, but want to be even more so.

Last week as I prayed for a man struggling with bipolar, I put my hand on his shoulder, he put his hand on mine, and together we interceded to the Lord for his health. There's just something extra we get when we're willing to rub shoulders and get messy.

Thank you for sharing your experience with me; it spurs me on.
My recent post The practice of wearing skin

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lauraboggess 49p · 630 weeks ago

I learn so much from you, Lisa. I love your heart for people. And I love hearing your beautiful voice, seeing your smile as you speak. Beautiful!

1 reply · active 630 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 630 weeks ago

I wish we lived close enough for me to stop by and see you in action with your faith community because I learn so much from you just through your blog; can't imagine how much more I could in person.
My recent post On this day in March 2013